Catalonia's Independence Referendum brings violence and chaos in Catalonia as Spanish Police Forces interfere to prevent people from voting. A few months ago, we were talking about a peaceful democratic action to be taken once again in Catalonia as the Independence Referendum was scheduled for October 1st. On Sunday, BBC reports that at least 460 people were injured as police used force and violence as a tool to stop the popular vote in Catalonia. Telegraph highlights that the Independence Referendum has been declared illegal by the Spanish Constitutional Court on September 6th, a decision which caused huge discontent in Catalonia.

Abusive vs constitutional

In the debate over the legitimacy of the violent actions taken by the Spanish police, we have two opposing sides. On the one hand, the ones who talk about the spirit of the law and the importance of respecting the laws and regulations of a governing body. In this case, the sovereign government is the Spanish government, an institution represented by Mariano Rajoy, the Prime Minister of Spain. BBC states that the leader considers the vote a contradiction to "the indissoluble unity of the Spanish nation, the common and indivisible homeland of all Spaniards''.

The police, Guardia Civil, tried to stop the development of the referendum as the decision of the constitutional court identifies this political event as illegal.

Meanwhile, we discuss a case of violence against peaceful individuals who tried to exercise their right and to show their devotion to the cause of independence from Spain.

This is not a singular case of violence as, a couple of weeks ago, more than 700 Catalan mayors have been put under criminal investigation under the suspicion of support for the referendum. What happened on Sunday is the result of a lack of political action from the country leaders and a direct attack on the natural freedoms possessed by every individual born in Spain, regardless of region or language.

People are now hurt, violence dominates and the whole region finds itself in chaotic circumstances which might last for months.

Barcelona - Las Palmas, a sad football match

The game played on Sunday was on the point of being delayed after the violent clashes from Barcelona. FC Barcelona demanded the game be cancelled but the club was threatened with a six-point deduction, according to The Guardian. Therefore, the game had to take place but behind closed doors. Ths was despite the fans of the Blaugrana team protested and they announced they would invade the pitch to protest in a peaceful manner against the actions of the police force and the Spanish government.

A goal from Busquets and a double from Messi led to a 3-0 win for the hosts but there was no joy at Camp Nou. The officials and players of FC Barcelona were shocked and appalled by the state of unrest which dominated Catalonia in the last few days.